Newborns can be Safely Surrendered to any on-duty Firefighter or Hospital Emergency Room Employee within Santa Clara County.
Safe Surrender Baby Law
A parent may surrender a newborn to any on-duty Firefighter or Hospital Emergency Room Employee within Santa Clara County. A parent who is unable or unwilling to care for a newborn can surrender the infant within 72 hours of birth without fear of being prosecuted, as long as the baby shows no signs of abuse or neglect. The purpose of the law is to provide a safe place for the newborn when a parent feels he or she cannot handle the responsibility.
How to surrender a Baby to a Firefighter
A parent who is unable or unwilling to care for an infant can surrender it to a Firefighter within 72 hours of birth. There are two ways this can occur: either the baby can be handed over to an on-duty Firefighter at the Fire Station, or the parent can call 911, and a Fire Engine will be dispatched to their location.
Parents who change their minds can begin the process of reclaiming their infant within 14 days. This law protects the parent(s) from arrest or prosecution as long as the baby has not been abused or neglected. Persons who abandon an infant in any other way, than described above are not covered by this law.
Every baby deserves a chance for a healthy life. If someone you know is considering abandoning a newborn, let them know there are options.
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